Tuesday, June 30, 2009

CKUA's "Bookmark" radio show, a very important literary radio program in Edmonton, AB, is in jeopardy of being cancelled. Like many radio and television shows in Canada, funding has become increasingly difficult, and my friend Ken Davis, the host of "Bookmark", needs your support. Check out what they're willing to offer in return.

A letter from Ken Davis, host of "Bookmark":

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Supporters of the “Bookmark” program on the CKUA Radio Network.

“Bookmark,” the half-hour weekly program dedicated to Alberta’s literary community and book trade, finished its second season on Sunday, June 28th. Whether the program returns for a third season in September depends on the financial support the program receives between now and the end of July. This e-mail is to inform you about the opportunity which currently exists to keep this program on the air.

In these challenging economic times, CKUA Radio management faces some tough decisions in order to ensure the continued health and viability of this listener-supported public broadcaster. Spoken word programs are more time-consuming and therefore more expensive to produce than music programs. The station has decided to cancel the “Bookmark” program unless the community elects to support this show financially. A final decision on this matter is to be made at the end of July, 2009.

CKUA Radio is funded largely through listener donations along with some corporate underwriting of programs. Station management would like to continue to broadcast “Bookmark” and has come up with a plan to possibly save the show. It’s an idea called Co-Operative Program Sponsorship (CPS), something of a hybrid of corporate underwriting and a listener donation.

Under the CPS model, supporters of Bookmark are asked to donate $500.00 to support one broadcast of the program. Two programs could be underwritten at a cost of $900.00. Three programs at a cost of $1300.00. And six programs at a cost of $2500.00.

In return for supporting a specific program, the donor will receive acknowledgement in that broadcast. The donor will in fact receive 3 mentions during the show. While there will be no commercial content within these mentions, a reference to a company’s work can be made; for example, “Bookmark thanks donor sponsor Lotusland Books for supporting this edition of the program. Lotusland Books has been retailing books in Calgary for 40 years. We thank them for their support.”

The 2009-2010 Bookmark season would have 35 new shows and would begin September 13th, 2009. CKUA management has agreed that as long as we have donors for 20 of the 35 shows by the end of July, they will consider funding to be reasonably in place and will allow production of the program to proceed for a third season.

I am asking you to either make a pledge of support to “Bookmark” yourself or pass this request along to others of your acquaintance who may have an interest in this initiative. We have four weeks to raise the necessary money to keep “Bookmark” on the air. Please send your preliminary commitment to pledge for the program to myself as I am tracking the numbers on this campaign. I will be forwarding your contact information to CKUA’s Fund Development Office for follow-up. Therefore I would ask that you provide your preferred e-mail address and telephone number, as well as mailing address, when you make your preliminary pledge.

In addition to the CPS campaign, an alternate form of supporting “Bookmark” is a full corporate underwriting position. Such underwriting results in the sponsoring corporation being acknowledged in every Bookmark program as a major sponsor of the program. I believe there are a number of other acknowledgements, on the CKUA website, on-air mentions throughout the broadcast schedule, etc., that are built into corporate underwriting arrangements. My understanding is that a corporate underwriting contract starts at $5,000.00. More information on this sort of sponsorship can be obtained from CKUA’s sales manager Don Barnes by telephone at 780 428 7595 or by email at don.barnes@ckua.com.

I thank you all sincerely for your time and consideration and for your past support of the “Bookmark” program.

Monday, June 29, 2009

As some of you may know, I've entered a contest on Textnovel.com and I really need your votes. The grand prize is a publishing contract with Dorchester. I'm submitting a novel I started years ago that I've always wanted to finish. The genre for the contest is ROMANCE. You'll be able to read as I write.

I can't do this without you. To become a top 20 finalist I NEED YOUR VOTES.

First, please sign up at www.Textnovel.com. That way you can read all the stories there--for free. You'll get 1 confirmation email from Textnovel. After that you won't get inundated with junk mail. I've had maybe 3 emails in a year.

After confirming account, go to my novel Lancelot's Lady and click on the blue circle with "thumbs up" at top of story. It'll turn gray when you've voted.

If you'd like to get an email notice when I add a new chapter, click on the blue circle with the cell phone. You'll only be notified when I add a new chapter, not when I edit an existing one. Judges are looking at subscribers too, but it's your thumbs up vote I need most at this time.

If you'd like to leave a short review comment too, that's great. You can read all the comments readers have left.

Thank you so much for helping me with this. I sincerely appreciate it. Your votes could make the difference between a major publishing contract or being in limbo. :-)

Sunday, June 28, 2009

After an accident in Rome, photojournalist Josh Ryder begins experiencing flashes of past memories―from another life, another era. As these flashes intensify, he’s drawn back to the time of ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins and the mysterious Memory Stones. Through the eyes of Julius, he is reunited with a powerful love for Sabina, the Vestal Virgin he has sworn to protect and would willingly die for, a woman whom would be buried alive if their secret love were ever discovered.

In present day Rome, Josh assists at the Phoenix Foundation, an organization that explores and researches claims of reincarnation or incidences of memory flashes, especially in children. Led by impulse, he finds himself at the edge of a freshly unearthed tomb and witnesses a murder.

His search for answers, for the Memory Stones stolen from the tomb of the Vestal Virgin Sabina, for the truth about what happened in ancient Rome, leads him to two women―Professor Gabriella Chase and Rachel Palmer, a young woman who is haunted by her own past life memories.

Is either of these women the Sabina he once knew? And will Josh ever reconcile his past with his present? These are just some of the questions I found myself asking along the way. I found the premise of this novel intriguing. I couldn’t put the book down once I started it.

Author M.J. Rose tells a compelling story that weaves history and religion into a fateful adventure filled with intrigue, romance, murder and deception. Her writing is detailed but not overloaded, just the right mix of fact and fiction to make me a believer and her characters are ones I’ll remember for a long time. The flashes of past and present are so seamlessly woven yet clearly defined, that I was never jolted from the story, but swept along and taken on a ride that left me breathless by the end.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone interested in the theory of reincarnation or anyone who enjoys a suspenseful, thrilling journey to the past. It would also make an exceptional read for a book club.

The Reincarnationist is the inspiration for a new television series that will be airing soon. I can’t wait to watch Past Life. If it is anything like M.J. Rose’s novel, it is going to be an adventure of a lifetime.

You can buy The Reincarnationist from your favorite bookstore or order it online at Amazon, Chapters and more.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Book covers can make or break a book, and I've been lucky to have 4 published novels with 4 covers that were well received by readers. Often when I'm working on a novel, I'll design a "mock book cover". It helps to inspire me to really visualize the finished product, even if it isn't the most professional cover. Of course, the published cover isn't even close to the mock one I design.

For the "Next Best Celler" novel contest, sponsored by Textnovel and Dorchester Publishing, I'm working on a romance novel. Lancelot's Lady is the name of the romantic suspnese I've entered, and it very quickly took off, making the #1 spot out of all contest entries for the month of June 2009. Last time I checked, Lancelot's Lady was also #5 in Most Popular Stories.

To keep me motivated, I designed a mock book cover early on (cover #1), using a few elements from the story. This early design was simple enough to add some color and excitement to my entry, while also respecting that Dorchester Publishing will have the final say in a book cover.

Weeks later, I designed a new, more romantic cover (cover #2), yet hopefully the darkness still lends to some suspense. I'd be interested in hearing what you think, but of course please keep in mind that these aren't real covers. They're really just for fun. I have no doubt that Dorchester Publishing (should I win the contest) would do a far better job at designing a suitable cover.

...........(cover #1)...........................(cover #2)...........

So readers, now you have some extra insight into the mind of a reader--at least this one. And authors, you now have a great idea for keeping yourself inspired--create a mock book cover. :-)

Nathan, from ESC Trillium has this to say about The River, the novel he studied in school:

"The River is a very interesting novel right from the start it catches your attention and keeps you hooked. It accomplishes this by being very suspenseful throughout the book even more so by the end of it...the characters are well developed creating a emotional attachment towards the characters, allowing for an even deeper emersion. It’s not only the characters that are detailed since the whole novel is very detailed and descriptive. In my opinion the ending of a novel is often where a great novel can seem to fall apart, this is not the case with The River since it has, in my opinion, a great ending that delivers...I really enjoyed The River and found it so hard to put down...I would recommend it to any of my friends, and to anyone who thinks they would like a great thriller that has a story targeted towards a more adult audience."

Thank you for your comments, Nathan. It's great to see you really 'got' my novel. :-) CKT

Thursday, June 25, 2009

A woman’s naked body, wrapped only in a thin veil of mist, rose from the shimmering stillness of the lake. Her long legs, half-submerged in the water, were gracefully slender. Rich auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders and swirled over the peaks of her firm breasts. Her jade-green eyes gleamed with such yearning and expectancy.Sultry and seductive, her siren's call radiated infinite promises.

The mist rose from the lake in spiraling tendrils, like fairy hands grasping at the woman’s body. The wind whispered in hot, humid breaths. Water trickled from the falls above, showering the plants with glistening moisture.

The Lady in the Mist appeared to be waiting for something. Or someone…

1

“It’s a lovely painting, isn’t it, Miss McLeod?”

Rhianna spun around at the sound of Higginson’s voice.

“She looks quite a bit like you,” the butler observed.

She chuckled. “That’s what you said eight months ago when I first arrived.”

It was the dying man upstairs who was responsible for her relocation to Miami, and it was here at Lance Manor that she first discovered the meaning of family―something she’d always remember.

Memories. That’s all she’d have left one day. Her job here could end in a heartbeat. Not even the doctors knew how much time JT had left. Three weeks, three months, maybe more.

JT Lance had taught her the value of memories. It had been difficult at first, watching a grown man try to remember simple things like how to tie his shoes. JT was like the father she’d never had.

Orphaned at birth, she went to live with her mother’s sister, until Aunt Madeline and Uncle Bernard died in a car crash. After the funeral, she went into foster care and remained there until she was sixteen. The last place she was sent to was the home of Gwen and Peter Waverley. She spent three long years there―three years of hell.

She shook her head.

Some memories are best left alone.

Flicking a look at Higginson, she noticed a single tear had escaped down his cheek. The man was a loyal employee, more like a companion and dear friend than a well paid butler. He’d been with JT for over twenty years. They often argued over business matters, yet JT always respected him, and that had won the butler’s eternal devotion.

Higginson cleared his throat. “There’s something magnetic about her.”

“I agree.”

The canvas glowed with a life of its own and she often felt the woman in the painting was watching her. The artist had captured the sensual yearning in the young woman’s expression, a sense of desperation, torment and passion that haunted her beautiful eyes. However, there was one thing that stood out―a flaw of sorts. The artist’s signature was difficult to make out.

She recalled the first time she'd seen the Lady in the Mist. The day she arrived in Miami. The day JT found out about her past―about a secret she had tried desperately to forget.

* * * * *

Rhianna was so mesmerized by the painting in the foyer that she didn’t hear footsteps approaching.

“It was painted by a talented young artist.”

She let out a startled yelp and spun around.

“My goodness,” said a tall, dark-haired man with wrinkled eyes and a kind smile. “You look just like her.”

“Who?”

“The Lady in the Mist.”

“Maybe there’s a bit of a resemblance,” she admitted, thinking it odd that she hadn’t noticed until he pointed it out.

“I’m sure you didn’t come here to look at paintings. What can I do for you?”

“Your housekeeper let me in. Are you Mr. Lance?”

“No, no,” the man said with a chuckle. “I’m Higginson, the butler. Mr. Lance is resting at the moment. Perhaps you can leave your name.”

Rhianna blinked back tears. She couldn’t be turned away. The trip to Florida had taken most of her savings and she didn’t have enough money to fly back to Maine. Besides, if it weren’t for Mr. Lance’s letter, she wouldn’t even be in this predicament.

“But Mr. Lance is expecting me. I’m Rhianna McLeod, the palliative nurse he contacted. In his letter he said I’d have the job if I came here.”

“Oh, I’m dreadfully sorry, miss, but Mr. Lance already has a nurse.” The butler shook his head. “You must have been mistaken.”

“But I don’t have anywhere else―”

Suddenly, a commotion broke out in the hallway. Something shattered, and she heard a muffled curse. Then a terrible wailing, like an injured animal, reverberated through the stately mansion.

The butler groaned. “Oh, no. Not again.”

He rushed off in the direction of the noise. Rhianna had no choice but to follow him. When they passed through a doorway, she saw an elderly man dressed only in a bathrobe. It gaped open in the front, threatening to reveal more than just a hairy chest. Beside him, a plump woman in white scrubs was trying her best to calm him down, even though she was dripping wet and very upset.

“Mr. Lance’s nurse,” the butler said.

As they approached the dueling pair, Rhianna tried to remember everything she could about her employer-to-be. In the past year, the tabloids had been filled with stories of billionaire JT Lance and his fight against an aggressive disease, a cancerous tumor that made him an unruly and difficult patient. From what she could see, the rumors were true. Once exuding strength, confidence and perhaps a touch of arrogance, JT now looked frail and helpless as he leaned against the wall for support.

“JT?” the butler called out.

The older man smiled. “Higginson, please get this woman a towel. She spilled my water.” Totally unaware of the broken glass, water and pill bottles on the floor, he staggered toward them.

“Sir!” the butler said with some force.

“I did not spill it,” the nurse snapped. Turning to the butler, she said, “Mr. Lance refuses to take his meds. Now he’s having a temper tantrum. Look! He threw a water pitcher at me.”

JT’s eyes flared. “That’s because you keep trying to poison me, you old bat!”

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

ESC Trillium High School student Sylvianne has this to say about The River:

"As a high school student finding a good book to read is very hard, but take my word when I say this is truly a great novel. From the very first page all the way to the last sentence, it captivated me. When you read this novel, make sure you have plenty of time, because to be honest I couldn’t put the book down...I am proud to say that this is a Canadian novel set in the wild Nahanni River in Northwest Territories. The novel is filled with suspense, excitement, love, science and a very bumpy adventure down the mysterious Nahanni River...Throughout this novel you will discover many unexpected twists...I really loved this novel and I recommend it to everyone."

Monday, June 22, 2009

Today I was featured at 'Your Shelf Life', a great blog geared for writers and readers. The main question asked is what can you do to extend your 'shelf life' as an author and the 'shelf life' of your books.

I talked to Sandy about how I use contests to keep things fresh, interesting, exciting and interactive.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Here's another review/book report I received from Angèle, a student in grade 12 at ESC Trillium High School:

“The River” by Cheryl Kaye Tardif is the first book that I couldn’t put down...“The River” is filled with a thrilling adventure and a love story which really interested me...the novel kept me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning. There was no time wasted, the action started right away and the story did not drag. Everytime I would put the book down my mind would keep wondering about what could possibly happen. The novel always surprised me with new and shocking events...Since I question myself alot so I think that “The River” could have a sequal or even a movie. The movie would be an action pack type of movie which would really interest me."

Friday, June 19, 2009

"The River was one of those books that I could not put down. It was a very interesting thriller...all of the characters are introduced and described very well...also very descriptive, I could visualise every event and every place mentioned in the book...Although time travel is hard to explain in an original way, I think that it was well done. Furthermore I think this book would also make a great movie one day...this book was very interesting and kept me in suspense for most of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys thrillers."

From now until July 30th, 2009, you can submit a name (first & last) of someone you know (boss, husband, school bully, ex-friend or yourself), or a fictitious name.

I am looking for a male name, suitable for a 50-ish cigar-smoking man.

On August 1st, 2009, I will select one winner from all the entries and use that name, fictitiously of course, in Lancelot's Lady, my novel-in-progress and an entry in the Textnovel/Dorchester "America's Next Best Celler" contest.

The winner will receive an autographed copy as soon as this novel is published. And the winner's initials will be credited on my acknowledgement page in the book, if they choose.

Keep in mind that the ‘corpse’ character will not intentionally look like or act like the person he or she is named after, nor will the character survive. After all, 'I kill people off for a living'.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Recently I held a contest on Twitter for all my followers. I gave away about 60 prizes. Most were donated by my sponsors, and some of the prizes were signed copies of my novels Whale Song, The River and Divine Intervention.

"This book told a beautiful story of a young girl who experienced a personal tragedy, but at the same time, learned life lessons from some very special people and even from the whales her father studied...I could not put it down. The text flowed perfectly and the story was very beautiful. A great story for young or old."

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Over the past month or so, grade 12 students from E.S.C. Trillium High School in Chapleau, Ontario, studied my thriller The River. It's been a lot of fun for the teacher Pam Morin, her students and me, especially since we've kept in touch, were able to do video conferencing and I felt like I was part of the class. Thank you, Pam!

Over the next few days I'm going to post bits from some of the students' reports/reviews, and I have to say, these young adults really "got" what I was saying. The River is a techno-thriller, part Mission Impossible, part adventure, part history...and so much more.

Michel, one of the students, has this to say about The River:

"The River is a sort of thriller type novel that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it...the action starts right at the beginning of the novel, when Arnold Shroeder shows up and informs Del that her father’s still alive...cool how the author incorporates the character descriptions into the story without overloading the readers with useless information...I couldn’t believe how interesting she made their search through the Nahanni regions sound...I found the end of the novel very climactic. I seriously couldn’t put the book down...The River was an awesome book that I would recommend to my family and my friends."

Thank you, Michel, for allowing me to post your review! :-)

High School teachers: If you'd like to bring The River into your school as a novel study, drop me a line. I love interacting with students. I find it encourages students to read even more and it gives them an experience I hope they'll remember for a long time. I know I will.

Sunday, June 07, 2009

The South Nahanni River area of Canada's Northwest Territories has a history of mysterious deaths, disappearances and headless corpses, but it may also hold the key to humanitys survival―or its destruction.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Talking with a friend of mine today, we somehow ended up on the topic of writer's block and Alice in Wonderland author, Lewis Carroll. I recall years ago reading something about the author being on drugs during that period of his life. It certainly explains the wacky adventure poor Alice finds herself on.

My friend and I surmised that whatever Carroll was on, it certainly broke through any possible writer's block. Not that either of us would advocate using drugs. In fact I've yet to experience writer's block and I'm afraid no one would be able to handle me if I were any wackier than I already am.

But it sure was an interesting conversation. :-)

Whenever I want to write something new, all I need is a whisper of a character, or a topic, or a theme, and voila! There's the idea.

I do have sympathy, however, for writers who struggle. All I can say is look around you. See that hole in the wall? There's a story behind it. There's a story in the two women chatting across from me now at Starbucks. Read a newspaper and you'll find a million possible topics.

In the end it comes down to one solution for writer's block. WRITE.

Write anything. Even if it's the same sentence over and over again.

Even if it's the same sentence over and over again.

Even if--

Okay, you've got the picture. Now, off you go, down the rabbit hole that is the world of creativity and stories. Say hi to the Mad Hatter for me!

Thursday, June 04, 2009

A week ago I received an email from Darren Rose, Area Manager at Coventry Homes in Edmonton. This is what he had to say about my thriller The River:

"I love The River. I am on chapter 16. Trust me I rarely read. I am surprised I am that far. I was even thinking today of not coming in just to finish the book, but thought that might be a bad excuse."

Then I received a second email:

"I finished it in three days (I don't think I have ever read any book that quick.) It was very good and a lot of unexpected twists to it. I really enjoyed it. My wife is reading it now and she really likes it as well."

*You can order The River from Amazon, Chapters, Barnes and Noble and more online retailers. You can also ask your favorite bookstore to bring it in for you. It's available as a trade paperback or on Amazon as a Kindle.